Bihar State PCS

• 28 Jun 2024

Bihar to Bring Stringent Law Against Paper Leaks

Why in News?

Recently, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary asserted that the state government would bring in a stringent law to curb exam paper leaks.

• The new law will be passed by the assembly in the upcoming monsoon session of the state legislature.

Key Points

• The central government has already notified the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which aims to prevent unfair means in public examinations and common entrance tests held across the country.
• Key Features:
  • It defines various offences related to unfair means, such as paper leaks, the use of fake websites, and collusion with service providers.
  • It prescribes strict penalties, including a minimum jail term of 3-5 years and a fine up to Rs. 1 crore.
  • It holds service providers engaged for exam conduct liable with fines up to Rs 1 crore and a 4-year ban on their involvement in public exams.
  • It empowers police officers not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police or Assistant Commissioner of Police to investigate offences under the Act.
  • It will cover a wide range of central government recruitment exams, including those conducted by UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS, and National Testing Agency (NTA).